ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Simplified ‘Make-II’: Major Steps Towards ‘Make in India’ in Defence Production
As a major boost to ‘Make in India’ in Defence, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, in its meeting on 16 January 2018, has cleared a simplified ‘Make-II’ procedure which will enable greater participation of industry in acquisition of defence equipment. This process will greatly help import substitution and promote innovative solutions. This simplified ‘Make-II’ procedure will amend the existing ‘Make Procedure’ in Defence Procurement Procedure -2016.
The revised procedure has been finalized after a series of consultations held with industry. The salient features of the new ‘Make-II’ procedure include the following:
- The industry can suggest projects, especially among those items which are currently being imported. Start-ups or individuals can also suggest proposals. Service Headquarters will also list out a series of projects which can be undertaken as ‘Make-II’ projects under the new procedure.
- The potential ‘Make-II’ projects will be approved by a collegiate comprising of DRDO, HQ , Department of Defence under a committee chaired by Secretary . Based on the in-principle approval agreed by this committee, the projects will be hosted on Ministry of Defence/Department of Defence Production’s website inviting industry to participate.
- There will be no limit to the number of industry who may respond to the EoI for development of the prototype subject to meeting the minimum qualification criteria. The design and development time of 12 to 30 weeks is granted to industry to offer the prototypes.
- There is no limit to the number of industry players who may show interest and offer prototype.
- After this period, a commercial RFP will be issued. Once the RFP is issued, it shall not be retracted. The industry who wins the bid, is assured of an order.
- Service Headquarter  will constitute a Project Facilitation Team for facilitating the process under this procedure.
- The case will be progressed even if there is single entity offering an innovative solution.
- The industry who develops the product will retain the title and ownership and all other rights in intellectual property. However, for some specified reasons like National Security, Government shall have ‘March-in’ rights.
- Normally, there shall be no negotiations by Contract Negotiation Committee  in multi-vendor contracts.
- ‘Make-II’ procedure reduces the total time from in-principle approval to placing of order by 50 percent. The estimated time to finish the whole process has come down to 69 to 103 weeks.
- Projects involving developmental cost of less than three crores will be reserved for MSME.
NAo/Rajib
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Ministry of Finance
S&Preaffirmed Sovereign Credit Rating of India at BBB- with Stable outlook ; expects Indian economy to continue to out-perform its peers and that growth will remain strong over the next 2 years
S&P has in its report released today has reaffirmed the Sovereign Credit Rating of India at BBB- with outlook as stable.
In their Summary publication on India they have stated that:
-
- India’s economy continues to achieve impressive long term growth rates despite a recent deceleration. It is believed that the economic slowdown is cyclical rather than structural.
- They expect the economy to continue to outperform its peers on the back of rising domestic demand and strong demographics.
They have maintained a stable outlook on the basis of their expectation that over the next two years the growth will remain strong and India will maintain its sound net external position and fiscal deficit will remain elevated but broadly in line with their forecast.
RM/KMN
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Export of automobiles registers a growth of 35.9% from 2020-21 to 2021-22
Export of commercial vehicles registers a growth of 83.36%
Export of Passenger vehicles registers a growth of 42.9%
Export of total number of automobiles increased from 41,34,047 in 2020-21 to 56,17,246 in 2021-22, registering a positive growth of 35.9%. Out of this, export of Passenger vehicles including cars increased from 4,04,397 in 2020-21 to 5,77,875 in 2021-22, registering a positive growth of 42.9% and commercial vehicle increased from 50,334 in 2020-21 to 92, 297 in 2021-22, registering a positive growth of 83.36%, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel said in reply to a Parliament Question today.
India’s export of automobiles including passenger cars and commercial vehicle during the last two years are given below:
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|
Category
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2021-22
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|
% Change
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|
Passenger Vehicles
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|
4,04,397
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|
5,77,875
|
|
42.9
|
|
Commercial Vehicles
|
|
50,334
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|
92,297
|
|
83.4
|
|
Three Wheelers
|
|
3,93,001
|
|
4,99,730
|
|
27.2
|
|
Two Wheelers
|
|
32,82,786
|
|
44,43,018
|
|
35.3
|
|
Quadricycle
|
|
3,529
|
|
4,326
|
|
22.6
|
|
Grand Total
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|
41,34,047
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|
56,17,246
|
|
35.9
Source: SIAM
9.89% of Motor Vehicle/Cars were exported from Haryana in total export of vehicles during 2021-22.
The Government has taken the following measures to promote India’s export:
- Foreign Trade Policy  extended upto 31-03-2023.
- Interest Equalization Scheme on pre and post shipment rupee export credit has also been extended upto 31-03-2024.
- Assistance provided through several schemes to promote exports, namely, Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme  and Market Access Initiatives  Scheme.
- Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes  Scheme to promote labour-oriented sector export has been implemented since 07.03.2019.
- Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products  scheme has been implemented since 01.01.2021. With effect from 15.12.2022, uncovered sectors like pharmaceuticals, organic and inorganic chemicals and article of iron and steel has been covered under RoDTEP. Similarly, anomalies in 432 tariff lines have been addressed and the corrected rates have been implemented with effect from 16.01.2023.
- Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin has been launched to facilitate trade and increase Free Trade Agreement  utilization by exporters.
- Districts as Export Hubs has been launched by identifying products with export potential in each district, addressing bottlenecks for exporting these products and supporting local exporters/manufacturers to generate employment in the district.
- Active role of Indian missions abroad towards promoting India’s trade, tourism, technology and investment goals has been enhanced.
Prime Minister's Office
PM honours shramiks of ITPO International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today performed Puja at the new ITPO International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre and felicitated shramiks involved in the construction of the Centre.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"Delhi gets a modern and futuristic International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre, which will boost conference tourism in India, thus bringing people from all over the world. The economic and tourism related benefits of the centre will also be multifold."
"Honouring the Shramiks who have toiled to build the impressive International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre in Delhi."
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Bharatmala Pariyojna
Projects in a length of about 3,181 km amounting to Rs. 43,519 crore was sanctioned during 2021-22 for improvement of connectivity of National highways  passing through the tribal districts. Works in a length of about 2,229 km have been completed and expenditure of Rs. 22,464 crore has been incurred during 2021-22 on such projects including Rs. 745 crore under the head Bharatmala Pariyojna – work under State PWDs / NHIDCL / BRO under Tribal Sub-Plan.
The Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I was approved for a length of 34,800 km with an outlay of Rs. 5.35 Lakh Crore. As on March, 2022, expenditure to the tune of Rs. 2.2 Lakh Crore has been incurred on projects under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I.
The land acquisition is carried out under NH Act 1956 and compensation is paid as per NH Act 1956 with provisions of RFCTLARR Act, 2013 as applicable. The extent of land acquisition is optimized considering the category and importance of the corridor to optimize the cost of the land acquisition.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
MJPS
(
Department of Atomic Energy
Import of Uranium
After assessment of long term demand of uranium in the country and supply of uranium from indigenous sources, Government shall decide on import of uranium from prospective suppliers.
Government has taken measures to augment domestic uranium supply by state-of-the-art, integrated, multi-disciplinary exploration in several potential thrust areas of the country.
Uranium Corporation of India Ltd.  a Public Sector Undertaking under Department of Atomic Energy, has made a detailed plan in line with Government's vision to achieve self sufficiency in uranium production. Considering the resources already identified, major production centres are planned in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ Differential Global Navigation Satellite System to Strengthen Maritime sector
This ‘Made in India’ system will provide more accurate information to the ships for safe navigation
The launch of ‘Sagar Sampark - Differential Global Navigation Satellite System’ at 06 locations will enhance the capability of the DGLL in the field of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation: Shri Sonowal.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is committed towards innovation, building best infrastructure, and strengthening the Indian Maritime sector. Today, to further the digital initiative in maritime sector the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System  ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ in the presence of Shri Shripad Y. Naik, the Minister of State of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shri TK Ramachandran, IAS Secretary, MoPSW and other senior officials from the ministry and Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships. DGNSS is a terrestrial based enhancement system which corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System  allowing for more accurate positioning information.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, ‘Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi ji, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways have given high priority to the safety of Navigation, especially due to the considerable increase in shipping volume in the recent past’. He said, the launch of ‘Sagar Sampark - Differential Global Navigation Satellite System ’ at 06 locations under DGLL, will definitely enhance the capability of the DGLL in the field of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation.’
The DGNSS service will help mariners in safe navigation and will reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in the port and harbour areas. This will lead to safe & efficient movement of vessels.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shripad Y. Naik said ‘DGNSS is an important Radio Aid to Navigation towards fulfillment of international obligations of International Maritime Organisation , Safety of Life at Sea  and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities ’.
After recapitalization with multiple satellite constellations like GPS and Global Navigation Satellite System , DGNSS further increases the availability and redundancy as per International standards and helps the mariners to improve their positioning within 5 meters.
The latest DGNSS system is now able to transmit corrections of GPS and GLONASS. The DGNSS significantly improves the accuracy of GPS positioning, reducing errors caused by the atmospheric inferences, satellite clock drift and other factors. This is achieved with the help of modern state of art technology receivers and latest software. The error correction accuracy has been improved from 5 to 10 meters to less than 5 meters for 100 Nautical Miles from Indian coastlines.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA’S GREETINGS ON THE EVE OF HOLI
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has conveyed her greetings to her fellow citizens on the eve of Holi.
In a message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Holi, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad.
The Festival of Holi symbolizes the vibrant colours and spirit of tolerance in our diverse society. This festival of joy is an opportunity to further promote goodwill and harmony among people. I wish that this unique festival of colours strengthens the feelings of love and brotherhood among all.
On this delightful occasion, let us pledge to work together for the progress and prosperity of our society and nation”.
Please click here to see the President's message -
Ministry of Defence
Indian Coast Guard’s operations continue to control the fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl
Indian Coast Guard  ships ‘Vaibhav’ and ‘Vajra’ continue to battle the fire onboard container ship MV X-Press Pearl off Colombo, Sri Lanka. Amidst rough seas and adverse weather conditions, the ICG ships, in a joint effort with vessels deployed by Sri Lanka, have carried out multiple runs along the length of the container vessel on both sides while spraying AFFF solution/sea water through the ship borne heavy-duty external fire-fighting system.
Containers stacked on both sides of the vessel are reported to be either partially or wholly burnt and are in danger of falling overboard in some locations. However, with deft manoeuvring, the ICG ships effectively sprayed the sea water/foam by reaching as close as 40-50 metres of the ship. Concerted and persistent firefighting by ICG ships have resulted in the fire appearing to have reduced in the fore and mid part of the distressed vessel, but continues in the aft part close to superstructure.
The ICG Dornier aircraft operating from Madurai undertook aerial reconnaissance of the area on May 27, 2021. No oil spill has been reported. ICG ship Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response  vessel, has also been despatched in PR configuration to augment the firefighting efforts and respond to any oil spill.
The distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers with nitric acid and other hazardous IMDG code chemicals. The extreme fire, damage to containers and prevailing inclement weather has caused the vessel to tilt to one side resulting in falling of containers overboard. To augment the firefighting operations, about 4,500 litres of AFFF compound and 450 kg Dry Chemical Powder was handed over to Sri Lankan authorities by ICG ship Vajra on May 26, 2021.
ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are kept on standby for immediate assistance towards Pollution Response. Continuous coordination is being maintained with Sri Lankan Coast Guard and other Sri Lankan authorities for augmenting the overall response operations towards containing the fire.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 178.29 Cr
More than 24.84 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.64%
6,396 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 69,897
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 0.90%
With the administration of more than 24.84 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 178.29 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 2,06,05,684 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,04,01,859
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
99,71,780
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
42,14,216
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,10,046
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,74,51,962
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
63,12,690
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,51,46,865
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
2,94,46,462
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
55,22,22,294
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
44,72,33,716
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20,23,40,255
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
18,08,32,789
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,64,67,129
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
11,26,18,005
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
98,42,992
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2,03,69,898
|
|
Total
|
|
1,78,29,13,060
13,450 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,23,67,070.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.64%.
6,396 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 69,897. Active cases constitute 0.16% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 9,23,351 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 77.09 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 0.90% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 0.69%.
Ministry of Defence
Boost to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence
Indian Navy signs contract with BEL for supply of Naval Anti drone system
Key Highlights:
- First indigenously developedanti-drone system, NADSto be inducted by Indian Navy
- It can instantly detect, jam micro drones and use a laser-based kill mechanism to terminate targets
- BEL to sign similar contacts with Army and Air Force
Indian Navy has signed contract with Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Limited  for supply of the first indigenous comprehensive Naval Anti Drone System  with both hard kill and soft kill capabilities in New Delhi on August 31, 2021.
The contract was signed in the presence of senior Naval officers and DRDO representatives. Indian Navy has provided consistent support and has led in the joint development of the anti-drone system with Defence Research and Development Organisation  and BEL.
The NADS, developed by DRDO and manufactured by BEL, is the first indigenously developed anti-drone system to be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces. Multiple Units of BEL, namely Bangaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Machilipatanam; and DRDO Labs, namely Electronics & Radar Development Establishment , Bangaluru;Defence Electronics Research Laboratory  and Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences , Hyderabadand Instruments Research & Development Establishment Dehradun; in close collaboration with the Indian Navy, were involved in the making of this fully indigenous system, as part of the Atmanirbar Bharat initiative to counter drone threats of adversaries.
The NADS can instantly detect and jam micro drones and use a laser-based kill mechanism to terminate targets. It will be an effective all-encompassing counter to the increased drone threat to strategic naval installations.
The anti-drone system was first deployed to provide security cover for the Republic Day Parade this year and later during the Prime Minister's Independence Day Address to the Nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The system, which offers 360-degree coverage, was also deployed in Ahmedabad for the Modi-Trump roadshow.
The NADS uses the help of Radar, Electro-optical/infrared  sensors and Radio Frequency  detectors to detect and jam the micro drones. The DRDO’s RF/Global Navigation Satellite System  detects the frequency which is being used by the controller and the signals are then jammed. The anti-drone technology system of DRDOprovides for both 'soft kill' and 'hard kill' options to the Indian Armed Forces to tackle fast-emerging aerial threats. Both the static and mobile versions of NADS will be supplied to the Indian Navy within a short time from the signing of contract.
Senior civil and military officials of Ministry of Defence and BEL were present on the occasion. The BEL is to sign similar contracts with Army and Air Force also.
ABB/Nampi/DK/RP/SAVVY/ADA
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Jury Members of Indian Panorama  interact with media
25 Indian Panorama feature films selected for screening at IFFI-53
The films reflect diversity and elegance of Indian Cinema
Irula language film to be screened at IFFI for the first time
#IFFIWood, 21 November 2022
Total 25 feature films including 5 mainstream films have been selected out of 400 films for screening under Indian Panorama at the 53rd International Film Festival of India , said Vinod Ganatra, Chairman of the Jury Member of Indian Panorama .
Addressing an ‘IFFI Table Talks’ today in Goa, the Chairman said that all films have been selected through a very democratic and transparent process. “The Jury members had watched around 400 hundred films representing the diversity, beauty and elegance of Indian Cinema for a month. We have considered both mind and heart of the filmmaker and selected the films judiciously”, said the Chairman.
“Cinema speaks its own language surpassing all the barriers and discriminations. We have selected films based on the perception and judgement of all the members and freedom of expression was justified in the selection process”, said Jury member and Telugu film Director V N Aditya while interacting with the media.
Jury Member Ashok Cashyap said that the aim of the members was to showcase India and the diversity of our language, culture, art and heritage. “The films will showcase a mini- India at IFFI. Among others, for the first time a film of Irula- a tribal language of Kerala has also been selected to be screened at IFFI.”, he added.
Another Jury member Vishnu Sharma said, it was an enlightening personal as well as collective experience for all the members to have got the opportunity to watch and judge the films.
The Feature Film Jury, comprising thirteen members, was headed by Vinod Ganatra, an illustrious Filmmaker and Editor and winner of 9 National and 36 International awards. The Feature Jury constituted of the following Members who individually represent various acclaimed films, film bodies and professions, whereas collectively represent the rich and diverse Indian film fraternity are:
1. Vinod Ganatra 
2. A. Karthikraaja
3. Dr. Anuradha Singh
4. Ananda Jyothi
5. Ashok Cashyap
6. Enumula Premraj
7. M Gita Gurappa
8. Jugal Debata
9. Sailesh Dave
10. Shibu G Suseelan
11. Vishnu Sharma
12. VN Aditya
13.Imo Singh
A total of 25 Feature films including 5 Mainstream films have been selected to be screened during IFFI. Selected from a wide pool of around 400 contemporary Indian Films, the package of Feature Films reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Indian film Industry.
Watch the full interaction here:
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Indian shooter, Avani Lekhara for striking gold at Para Shooting World Cup
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Indian shooter, Avani Lekhara for striking gold at Para Shooting World Cup with record score in France.
The Prime Minister tweeted;